In a surprising find that has captured the attention of maritime archaeologists, a 16th-century merchant ship has been located at an extraordinary depth off the southern coast of France.
Earlier this month, France’s navy made an unexpected archaeological breakthrough off the coast of Ramatuelle near Saint‑Tropez. While carrying out routine deep-sea monitoring in March, the navy’s specialist underwater team, CEPHISMER, discovered a shipwreck resting over 2.5 kilometres (8 200 ft) deep in Mediterranean waters.
Following initial detection by submersible drones, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was deployed to confirm the find. The wreck has been named Camarat 4 and dates from the 16th century.
The incredible structure measures around 30 meters long by seven meters wide, and its cargo indicates it likely sailed from Liguria in present‑day northern Italy.
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The vessel appears to have been a merchant trader carrying roughly 200 faience jugs and nearly 100 yellow plates, with many of the jugs bearing floral or geometric designs, and some featuring the Christogram 'IHS,' linking them to 16th‑century Liguria.
The site also includes anchors, six cannons and two large cauldrons, hinting at capabilities for long voyages and defence, possibly against piracy.
Its impressive depth has protected it from looting and strong currents, preserving the site in near‑original condition.
According to Arnaud Schaumasse, head of the culture ministry’s underwater archaeology department, this find surpasses the previous depth record held by the submarine La Minerve, which was found in 2019 at around 2.3 km.
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While the wreck was found in an incredible condition, modern debris like soda cans and yoghurt pots were observed nearby, raising concerns over pollution even at extreme depths, and acting as a stark warning about how pollution can still impact even the deepest depths of the ocean.
This has prompted researchers to consider increasing efforts to raise environmental and anti-pollution outreach efforts, as well as investing more time in studies around pollution.
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In the coming years, France’s underwater archaeology agency (DRASSM) will spearhead a multi-disciplinary research programme.
Specialists in ceramics, naval architecture, artillery, material culture and conservation will work on creating a full 3D photogrammetric model, carefully recovering select items, and ultimately studying them before deciding whether to leave them in situ or move them to public collections.
The discovery offers a rare and impressive glimpse into Mediterranean merchant networks, ship construction and cultural exchange during the Renaissance.
At the moment, it's not known whether the entire site will eventually be excavated or preserved in place.
Topics: Ocean, Environment, Archaeology
Kegan Marquez